Natural Bridge Caverns: Cavern. Largest caverns in Texas, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns Mining Company and learn about identifying gems and minerals while filling your pockets with treasure, or take the Adventure Tour through the South Cavern, a physically demanding and thrilling excursion into one of the world's premier caverns

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: Wildlife Ranch. A family African safari (Texas style) from the comfort of your own vehicle, travel through hundreds of acres of Texas ranchlands that are a safe home for species from all over the world.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort: 830-625-2351; Schlitterbahn. 65-acre waterpark and resort complex features with 40+ rides and family activities in six themed areas. Miles of tube chutes. Voted "World's Best Waterpark 11 years in a row"

Carl Friedrich Baetge Home (1805-1883): 830-629-6504; 1370 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Home built in 1852, 26 mi NW of New Braunfels. The house was dismantled and rebuilt on Conservation Plaza in 1975. Carl Baetge was a Civil Engineer from Germany. Home was completely restored and is furnished with period pieces, mostly of Texas or German origin. Operated as a museum by the New Braunfels Conservation Society.

Heritage Village, Museum Of Texas Handmade Furniture: 830-629-6504; www.nbheritagevillage.com. Historic home and valuable collection of early Texas handmade furniture showcase the unique German heritage of New Braunfels with special recognition of the accomplishments of German cabinetmakers that helped settle the area from 1845-1880. Costumed docents conduct tours that include the historic Breustedt-Dillen fachwerk house with 75+ pieces of early Texas handmade furniture, white English ironstone collection, cabinetmaker's shop, and 1847 Reininger log cabin. Library of books about Texas & local history and early Texas Furniture. Gift Shop. Ten acres of grounds and covered pavilion.

Lindheimer House: 830-608-1512; 491 Comal Ave, New Braunfels, TX, 78130. A small monument to a man credited with discovering several hundred plant species, including a milkweed, a loco weed, a mimosa, and a rock daisy. Antiques and period pieces, some that belonged to the self-taught botanist, fill the four small rooms of the wood and fachwerk house. Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer (1801-1879) was the Father of Texas Botany, and a newspaper editor during War and Reconstruction. He was the man most responsible for New Braunfels being located by the Comal Springs. His 1852 half timber or Fachwerk home is fully restored with many original items and pieces of furniture. Operated as a museum by the New Braunfels Conservation Society.

Mckenna Children's Museum: 830-606-9525; www.mckennakids.org. A learning environment for children and families which stimulates thought, inspires imagination and prompts understanding through "hands-on" educational exhibits and programs which focus on fine arts, culture, history, science and technology.

New Braunfels Conservation Society: 830-629-2943; www.nbconservation.org. Restored and furnished 14 buildings circa 1849-187 to form a German Village called "Conservation Plaza". Open to the public

Sophienburg Museum: 830-629-1572; www.sophienburg.org. Preserves the history of the settlement of New Braunfels, by "The Society for the Protection of German Emigrants to Texas" in 1844-1847 and the subsequent development of this city and area of Texas. Relates history through display of artifacts and early life in New Braunfels and written history of the area through thousands of collections of personal and public documents

Wagenfuehr Home & Buckhorn Barbershop Museum: 830-629-6504; 1370 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130. A "collector's paradise." A "1900's" equipped barber shop contains literally hundreds of hand-carved miniature circus figures and pictures made from rocks. Operated as a museum by the New Braunfels Conservation Society.

Gruene: Historic Downtown; River Sports; Greune Hall. Pronounced "green". Once a significant cotton-producing community along the Guadalupe River, the economy is now supported primarily by tourism. Gruene lies entirely within the city limits of New Braunfels. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring wine tasting, shopping, dining, dancing, and B&B's. Oldest dance hall in Texas.

Landa Park: Scenic city park with hundreds of artesian springs. Ride the miniature train in the most beautiful walking arboretum. Host to annual Wurstfest. Landa Park

The Comal Trails Alliance: Dedicated to creating a system of trails connecting communities and providing opportunities for education, health and enjoyment of the natural resources of Comal County.

County Line Memorial Trail: A linear park that extends over 2 mi, from Hwy 1044 to FM-725. Amenities along the paved path include approximately 200 young trees, rest areas with benches, pet waste bag dispensers and bridges connecting the amenities of both Kraft Park and Hoffmann Park to the trail.

HISTORY: Handbook of Texas Online: " It was founded on March 21, 1845, when, under the auspices of the Adelsverein, Nicolaus Zink led a German immigrant wagontrain up the Guadalupe River to the ford of the San Antonio-Nacogdoches road.
They made camp at a site on Comal Creek (now Dry Comal Creek) chosen by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, the first commissioner general of the Adelsverein, and promptly organized to receive later arrivals. Zink platted preliminary town and farm lots and supervised construction of a primitive stockade, the Zinkenburg, to protect the immigrants against allegedly cannibalistic Indians. Within weeks Prince Solms had laid the cornerstone for a more permanent fort and headquarters for the immigrant association, the Sophienburg (now the Sophienburg Museum), made provision for supplying the burgeoning settlement through its first summer on the frontier, and handed leadership of the colony over to John O. Meusebach. By summer the settlers numbered between 300 and 400, and the community had been incorporated under the name of Prince Solms's estate on the Lahn River in western Germany, Braunfels. From 1846 until the 1880s a number of Hispanics and Lipan Indians moved into New Braunfels each spring during sheep-shearing season.

Taking advantage of the reliable water power afforded by Comal Springs and the community's position on the road between Austin and San Antonio, the settlers wasted little time establishing the supply and processing businesses-stores, millworks, and craft shops-that soon made New Braunfels the commercial center of a growing agricultural area. Many immigrants brought artisanal skills as well as business acumen to their new home. Within a decade of its founding New Braunfels had emerged as a manufacturing center supplying wagons, farm implements, leather goods, furniture, and clothing for pioneers settling the hills of Central Texas. The town also figured as an important market for the expanding agricultural frontier. Its markets supplied places as close as Bastrop and Victoria and as far away as New Orleans, New York, and the Nassau province of Germany. It is reported that in 1850 New Braunfels was the fourth largest town in Texas.

The community's social and cultural development proceeded with its economic progress. Independent Evangelical Protestant, Lutheran, Methodist, and Catholic congregations were formed in the early years of settlement and undertook the construction of permanent church buildings. Blacks formed Baptist and Methodist churches in the late 1860s. The initial church school gave way to a city school, then to a district system that in 1858 was incorporated with the New Braunfels Academy. Citizens voted unanimously to impose a tax for the support of a public school eighteen years before the Constitution of 1876 provided for such local taxation throughout Texas. New Braunfels, Galveston, and Fredricksburg were among the first Texas towns to collect taxes to support schools. Catholics established schools in the 1860s under the direction of the Sisters of Divine Providence; black schools were formed during Reconstruction, and schools for Hispanics appeared early in the twentieth century. In the decades before 1990 the New Braunfels Independent School District supported five schools. A gregarious lot, the Germans of New Braunfels also organized the Germania Singing Society, the Schuetzen Verein, a shooting club, and one of the early Turnvereins or athletic clubs. All of these served to maintain the ethnic and cultural identity of the original settlers for later generations. The Neu Braunfelser Zeitung, which issued its first edition in 1852, was published continuously in German until 1957; it later merged with the English language newspaper, the New Braunfels Herald.

By the early 1880s, with a population estimated at 2,000, the community was linked by telegraph and rail lines with Austin and San Antonio, and textile factories along the Comal River were shipping cotton and woolen products. The following decade saw the installation of electric streetlights and the first telephone line through New Braunfels. A permanent county courthouse adjacent to the town square in New Braunfels opened in 1898. By 1900 both the International-Great Northern and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroads provided freight and passenger service and had helped secure the city's future as a manufacturing and shipping center. Flour mills, textile factories, and processing plants for construction materials provided the basis for steady growth in the twentieth century; from a population estimated at 3,165 in 1912 the town doubled in size to 6,242 by the onset of the Great Depression. The depression and the boll weevil nearly devastated the textile industry, which returned very slowly. A new growth period during and immediately after World War II saw the depression-era total nearly double again. In 1952 New Braunfels had approximately 12,200 residents. To keep pace with this growth and attendant social changes, New Braunfels reorganized its city government twice in the twentieth century, replacing the original aldermanic form in 1920 with the mayor-commission system, and subsequently replacing that with a council-manager form. In 1947 the city incorporated eight suburbs within its limits.

In the twentieth century New Braunfels added tourism to its major industries. The replacement of water and steam with electrical power in the late 1800s made land along the Comal and Guadalupe rivers within the city limits available for public use. By 1936 the city had reserved much of this land for parks by purchasing Cypress Bend and Landa parks. Landa Park had first opened in 1899 as a private resort area, and, promoted by the International-Great Northern Railroad, had begun to develop as a tourist destination for weekend excursions from San Antonio. Tourism in New Braunfels accelerated in the decades following World War II, when Interstate Highway 35 was completed and when local merchants and investors began to capitalize on the natural and historic attractions offered by the city and its environs, particularly the recreational potential of the Guadalupe River and, after 1964, of Canyon Lake. The opening of Natural Bridge Caverns and the Wurstfest, a German-heritage celebration, in the early 1960s also facilitated the growth of a tourist industry that by the mid-1980s supported some thirty hotels and motels, as well as resort condominiums, around the city and Canyon Lake.

Tourism combined with the continued vitality of the city's industrial sector to sustain a roughly 30 percent increase in the population of New Braunfels for several decades after World War II. The city's proximity to San Antonio was another factor in its growth; in 1973 Comal County became part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area. In the mid-1980s New Braunfels had fourteen major industries (each with more than seventy-five employees), with textile and construction-materials producers still predominant. Seven major financial institutions fueled the growth. In the 1970 census New Braunfels registered 17,859 residents; in 1980 it posted a gain to 22,402. Hispanic-surnamed residents constituted 34.3 percent of the population and blacks 1.6 percent. In 1990 New Braunfels had a population of 27,334 and extended into Guadalupe County. The population grew to 36,494 in 2000."

TEXAS SPHERE RIDES: 830-214-7804; 6700 N IH-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130. http://txsphereride.com. 2 people trapped in a harness and riding together down the hill in a 10 ft clear rubber ball. An extreme ride, not for the faint hearted.

FALL INTO ART COMMUNITY: New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.fallintoartnb.com; Facebook. Brought to you by the Greater New Braunfels Arts Council benefiting the Community Endowment for the Arts. Sponsors "New Braunfels Fall Into Art Festival".

NEW BRAUNFELS ART LEAGUE (NBAL): 830-629-8022; 239 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130-7936. www.newbraunfelsartleague.org. Includes three galleries: The Main Gallery, the Prince Carl Gallery and the Elaine Felder Gallery. Annual Artoberfest in Oct & Nov.

CLEAR SPRINGS CAFE: 830-629-3777; 1692 TX-46, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Germania Farmer Verein. Established: 1870, "The Hill Country's Oldest Dance Hall". Elvis has been here. Restaurant: open 11a-9p. "The first store and Dance Hall was built in 1873 by Johann Andreas Breutedt and also served as a saloon and cotton storage facility. Today the old building has been beautifully restored and is a great Texas style family restaurant with a very rustic atmosphere. Occasionally musical events have showcased Steven Fromholz, Tracy Nelson, Clay Blaker, George Strait, and even Bo Diddley."

CRYSTAL CHANDELIER: New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.soyoulikegeorgestrait.com. According to the web site, "The Chandelier now sits as a vacant shell on the side of the road on the north side of New Braunfels . . . only a couple of miles from Greune Hall it was a club fashioned for the new popularity of country music. It had a BIG DANCE FLOOR! One of the best dance floors in any club I saw Ace play at. Even with a big crowd you could enjoy a great dance here. Backstage was basically outside. There was a small room offstage, and then the door to outside where they parked the first bus Ace had."

FREIHEIT COUNTRY STORE: 830-625-9400; 2157 FM-1101 off TX-46 E, 3/4 miles from New Braunfels (5 minutes off I-35). Established: 1889. Open: Tue-Sat 11-2. "Humble Time Radio Show is recorded here each Saturday highlighting local unknown as well as known talent. It's a great experience to attend. Owners Shorty and Rosie Haas are a great couple worth the stop just to talk to, and it's only 5 minutes off busy I-35. Cold, cold beer and good food. Geronimo Trevino performed live here on May 24, 1997."

SAENGERHALLE: 830-625-4255; 255 Saengerhalle Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, off TX-46, E of New Braunfels, 2 miles. 5 minutes off IH-35. Open Daily 4p. A huge air conditioned dance hall, and a beer garden under the Texas skies! "In 1863, just two miles east of New Braunfels, five German singing groups bought the area the Hall now stands on as a meeting place for their "Men's Singing Societies." Now, the Hall includes a 10,000 square foot dance floor. In 1997 the descendants of the Hall's original founders sold the property, and it has been converted to a "new" Honky Tonk. Showcased are such Texas artists as Cornell Hurd, Sisters Morales, Gary P Nunn, Don Walser, Geronimo Trevino, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Alvin Crow and many others. A great evening for all. Don't miss it.". [We understand Saengerhalle was closed in June 2006. Portal Editor]

NEW BRAUNFELS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: 830-221-4606; 424 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. A city department that includes New Braunfels Community Emergency Response Team (NBCERT): An emergency preparedness program supported by the Department of Homeland Security. NBCERT volunteer members receive special training to enhance their ability to support the City first responders and all other City departments during emergency/disaster events
NEW BRAUNFELS POLICE DEPARTMENT: Admin: 830-221-4100; New Braunfels, TX 78130. NBPD

NEW BRAUNFELS PUBLIC LIBRARY: 830-221-4300; 700 E Common St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.nbtexas.org. A City department.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY: At Landa Park Playground, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Based on the concept of "take a book, leave a book," the free-standing Little Free Library™ structure provides a way to share books freely within gathering places throughout the community to enhance the quality of life for all citizens, foster fellowship, and promote literacy. A partnership with the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department, the New Braunfels Public Library, the Friends of the New Braunfels Public Library and the Moms of New Braunfels. www.littlefreelibrary.org. For additional details on becoming a steward or donating books for the library call the City’s Parks and Recreation Department at 830-221-4350

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF ASSISTIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES (DRS/DARS): 800-628-5115; Austin, TX. www.dars.state.tx.us. Helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs. Work related services are individualized and may include counseling, training, medical treatment, assistive devices, job placement assistance, and other services. This program also helps students with disabilities plan the jump from school to work.
Local Field office: Vocational Rehabilitation Program, 830-608-8750; 115 Green Valley E, Ste 100, New Braunfels, TX 78130

FAUST HOTEL & BREWING COMPANY: 830-625-7791; 240 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.fausthotel.com. [Editor's review: We had a comfortable stay with at this historic hotel, with the privilege of being in walking range of all the fun activities downtown. The Faust's "all-in-one" suite of services (hotel, restaurant, full bar, brewpub, entertainment) was convenient. Service was excellent. 06-22-2012]

MUSIC OF NEW BRAUNFELS: 830-481-6734; 102 Fleetwood Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.musicofnewbraunfels.com. Free listings of live music events in and near New Braunfels

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS: 210-651-6101; 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Cavern. Largest caverns in Texas, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns Mining Company and learn about identifying gems and minerals while filling your pockets with treasure, or take the Adventure Tour through the South Cavern, a physically demanding and thrilling excursion into one of the world's premier caverns.

NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH: 830-438-7400; 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd. New Braunfels, TX 78130. Wildlife Ranch. A family African safari (Texas style) from the comfort of your own vehicle, travel through hundreds of acres of Texas ranchlands that are a safe home for species from all over the world.

MLM MOMS: 417-825-9779; New Braunfels, TX 78130. For Profit Business. A group of ladies that are trying to build a business from home through network marketing. Our event will be one where patrons can check out all of the different MLM businesses available & what they have to offer. There may be discounts and will be prize drawings for donated items. www.meetup.com/New-Braunfels-Mommas-on-a-Mission-with-Network-Marketing/

(THE) CARL FRIEDRICH BAETGE HOME (1805-1883): 830-629-6504; 1370 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Home built in 1852, 26 mi NW of New Braunfels. The house was dismantled and rebuilt on Conservation Plaza in 1975. Carl Baetge was a Civil Engineer from Germany. Home was completely restored and is furnished with period pieces, mostly of Texas or German orgin. Operated as a museum by the New Braunfels Conservation Society.

HERITAGE VILLAGE, MUSEUM OF TEXAS HANDMADE FURNITURE: 830-629-6504; 1370 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78130. An historic home and valuable collection of early Texas handmade furniture. The Museum showcases the unique German heritage of New Braunfels with special recognition of the accomplishments of German cabinetmakers that helped settle the area from 1845-1880. Costumed docents conduct tours that include the historic Breustedt-Dillen fachwerk house with 75+pieces of early Texas handmade furniture, white English ironstone collection, cabinetmaker's shop, and 1847 Reininger log cabin. Library of books about Texas & local history and early Texas Furniture. Gift Shop. Ten acres of grounds and covered pavilion with catering kitchen and restrooms available for rental. Tue-Sun 1-4p, closed Mon and Dec-Jan.

LINDHEIMER HOUSE: 830-608-1512; 491 Comal Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. A small monument to a man credited with discovering several hundred plant species, including a milkweed, a loco weed, a mimosa, and a rock daisy. Antiques and period pieces, some that belonged to the self-taught botanist, fill the four small rooms of the wood and fachwerk house. Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer (1801-1879) was the Father of Texas Botany, and a newspaper editor during War and Reconstruction. He was the man most responsible for New Braunfels being located by the Comal Springs. His 1852 half timber or Fachwerk home is fully restored with many original items and pieces of furniture. Operated as a museum by the New Braunfels Conservation Society.

(THE) NEW BRAUNFELS CONSERVATION SOCIETY: 830-629-2943; 1300 Church Hill Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Restored and furnishes 14 buildings circa 1849-187 to form a German Village called Conservation Plaza. Open to the public. www.nbconservation.org

NEW BRAUNFELS RAILROAD MUSEUM: 830-627-2447; 302 San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. In the Old New Braunfels Depot (c 1891). www.nbrrm.org

SOPHIENBURG MUSEUM: 830-629-1572; 401 W Coll St (at Academy Ave), New Braunfels, TX 78130. Preserve the history of the settlement of New Braunfels by "The Society for the Protection of German Emigrants to Texas" in 1844-1847 and the subsequent development of this city and area of Texas. Relates history through display of artifacts and early life in New Braunfels and written history of the area through thousands of collections of personal and public documents. www.sophienburg.org

ANY BABY CAN OF SAN ANTONIO: 210-227-0170; 217 Howard, San Antonio, TX 78212. www.anybabycansa.org. A non-profit agency that provides direction and guidance for families of children and youth with special needs. All services are provided at no cost, regardless of income, to families who have a child (through age 17) with a chronic illness, disability, developmental delay or health risk. The child must reside in Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Blanco, Caldwell, Comal, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Medina, Real, Uvalde or Wilson County. Local office:
Local: New Braunfels, 800-524-3755; 1040 N Walnut, Ste C2 at Seele Plaza, New Braunfels, TX 78130

CANYON REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY: 830-609-0543; 850 Lakeside Pass, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.crwa.com. A subdivision of the State of Texas created by the Texas Legislature in 1989. It is a partnership of water supply corporations, cities and districts responsible for acquiring, treating, and transporting potable water. It is mandated with the duty to encourage water conservation, to reduce the reliance on a future uncertain supply of groundwater, and to protect, preserve and restore the purity of water.

COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA): Texas CASA. A non-profit organization with adult volunteers willing to stand up for an abused or neglected child. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information to the court on behalf of a child caught in a difficult legal process. A CASA speaks on behalf of the child’s best interest.
Local: CASA of Central Texas - New Braunfels Office, 830-626-2272; 1619 E Common St, Ste 301, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.casacentex.org. Counties served: Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays

CIRCLE ARTS THEATRE: 830-620-4848; 17 Cane St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.circleartstheatre.org; Elizabeth Elliott founded Circle Arts in 1968 and has kept it going strong ever since, staging four plays each season, including an original melodrama performed during October's Wurstfest celebration. Circle Arts also offers theatre classes for children ages 7-14 and, for middle school and high school students, the Inner Circle Theatre Company.

CRISIS CENTER OF COMAL COUNTY: General: 830-620-7520; Hotline: 1-800-434-8013. New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.ccccnbtx.org. Mission is to provide crisis and prevention services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Provides a safe environment where an individual can make educated non-biased decisions about their future. Provides services to women, children and men of all ages. Services include 24-crisis line, shelter, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, case-management, victim assistance.

DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS: www.drtinfo.org. Mission is to perpetuate the memory and spirit of our ancestors by encouraging historical research into the earliest records of Texas. Open to those who can trace ancestry to a relative living under the Republic who served in some way.
Local: Ferdinand Lindheimer

NEW BRAUNFELS DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION: www.downtownnewbraunfels.com. Formerly called New Braunfels Merchants Association, then the Downtown Association of New Braunfels. Purpose is to enhance the natural beauty and to promote the economic development of the downtown area.

ELKS LODGE: www.elks.org. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is a non-profit, community service organization that invests in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address unmet need, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
Local: 830-625-6330; 353 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

EMMIE SEELE FAUST LIBRARY: Located on the grounds of the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, 401 W Coll St,
New Braunfels, TX 78130
FFA (FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA): HQ: Austin, TX. www.texasffa.org. FacebookA dynamic youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. An integral part of a systematic, local school-based agricultural science instructional program.
Local Chapter: New Braunfels FFA

(THE) FRIENDS OF THE NEW BRAUNFELS PUBLIC LIBRARY: New Braunfels, TX 78130

GREATER NB ARTS COUNCIL: 830-625-4248; POB 311171, New Braunfels, TX 78131-1171. www.gnbac.org. A coalition of performing, visual and literary arts organizations
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: https://www.habitat.org. A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry that builds a decent place to live with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds. Local Habitat: 830-625-7005; 1269 Industrial St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
JAYCEES: 636-778-3010. www.usjaycees.org. A non-profit volunteer organization (Junior Chamber) comprised of men & women aged 19-39 who are interested in community development, social action, cultivating friendships, & servant leadership. They love their city and its residents, and seek to help local organizations and individuals through monetary donations, as well as by volunteering time and resources.
Local: New Braunfels Jaycees, 830-625-2385, www.nbjaycees.com, located at Chamber offices.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS (US): Founded in 1919, the League is a non-partisan, trusted organization that works to promote active, informed participation of all citizens in their government. www.lwv.org. Note, coverage of local elections and candidates is available in a few League locations in the Hill Country, and these are shown at: www.lwvtexas.org. Also see our Portal's focus topic page: Hill Country Voters Guide, at: Guide

MCKENNA EVENTS CENTER: 830-606-9500; 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. http://www.mckenna.org. Provided as an extension of the McKenna Foundation to advance the well-being of the New Braunfels community. Available for rental only to non-profit organizations. Map

MCKENNA FOUNDATION: 830-606-9500; 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Exists to advance the well-being of the New Braunfels community. Includes the McKenna Children's Museum and the McKenna Events Center (see both above).

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY: New Braunfels, TX 78130. Typically on site (several scheduled locations) for two hours and provides food assistance for up to 250 families. For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry, contact Westside Community Center, see listing below.

NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF TEXAS: www.npsot.org. Promoting research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example. A non-profit organization supported by grants, donations and member dues. Local: Lindheimer Chapter (Comal County), www.npsot.org/wp/lindheimer. 3rd Tue, 6:30p at GVTC Auditorium, 36101 FM-3159, New Braunfels. No meetings in June and Dec.

NEW BRAUNFELS MASSKRUGSTEMMEN CLUB: Facebook. Purpose is to promote the great German sport of Masskrugstemmen and train, help and encourage the next generation of competitors. Prost!

NEW BRAUNFELS PARKS FOUNDATION: 830-221-4350; New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.nbparksfoundation.org. Anon-profit organization that promote, protect and enhance the parks system of New Braunfels through education, resource development and community partnerships.

OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL: www.optimist.org.A worldwide voluntary non-profit organization of civic-minded men and women banded together to serve the youth of the community, encourage personal growth and adopt optimism as a philosophy of life.
Local: Optimist Club

(THE) SALVATION ARMY: 800-728-7825; www.salvationarmyusa.org. A Christian denominational church and an international charitable organization structured in a quasi-military fashion.
Local: 617 Business IH-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130

TEXAS FARM BUREAU: texasfarmbureau.org. A county-wide non-profit providing a political voice regarding agriculture, as well as insurance, financing and education services. "The Voice of Texas Agriculture". Local office: Comal County, 830-625-6924; 1105 Eikel St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

UNITED WAY: www.unitedway.org. A non-profit organization that advances the common good by investing in and developing programs that address needs in education, income/financial stability and health.
Local office: 830-620-7760; 468 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78131-0614. www.uwcomal.org

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (VFW): www.vfw.org. A congressionally chartered organization that works on behalf of American veterans by lobbying Congress for better veterans' health care and benefits; and maintains a nationwide organization of employees and volunteers to assist veterans with their VA disability claims; and donates millions of dollars and hours for community service. Local VFW Post: #7110, New Braunfels Post, 830-625-9961, 600 Peace Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130. http://www.vfwpost7110.com. Mets 2nd Tue 7p

TEXAS ANIMAL GUARDIANS: 512) 823-0483; New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.texasanimalguardians.org. An all-volunteer organization geared to reducing the suffering and certain death of shelter animals. Not a shelter.